Financial Market Engagement of University Students in Nepal: Behavior, Knowledge, and Perceptions

Abstract

This study explores the investment habits, knowledge and perception of the financial market, investment barriers, and future investment intention of university students in Myagdi, Nepal. Several studies on financial markets in Nepal mainly focused on urban areas only. As financial literacy gains an increasing importance in developing economies, the involvement of youth mainly university students plays a key role in shaping the future of national financial markets. Utilizing a descriptive approach, data were collected randomly through Google survey with 88 students from various academic backgrounds who are studying under Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Education, Master of Business Studies, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education and Bachelor in Information Communication and Technology Education programs of Myagdi Multiple Campus, Beni Bazaar, Nepal. Quantitative tools such as frequency and percentage techniques were used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that most of the students have opened bank accounts and majority students are investing in the primary market mainly in shares. Among 88 respondents, only 55.68 percent of students invested their money in the secondary market. The findings suggest that the university students should be educated with effective financial literacy programs which should be included in the curricula in formal education. It is concluded that these insights may contribute to understanding how early exposure to financial markets can influence long-term economic empowerment in Nepal.